A comparative analysis of the fatty acid profiles in the liver and muscles of male and female Salmo trutta macrostigma

The fatty acid compositions of liver and muscle of male and female Salmo trutta macrostigma, in the Tohma River, Turkey, were determined by gas chromatography. There were quantitative differences between individual fatty acids in the tissues investigated, depending on the sex. The most abundant fatty acids in both tissues of both sexes were palmitic acid (C16:0; 19.0–21.6%), stearic acid (C18:0; 5.32–11.3%), C18:1 ω−7 (5.65–9.38%), oleic acid (C18:1 ω−9; 15.6–22.4%), eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA; C20:5 ω−3; 6.34–7.88%) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA; C22:6 ω−3; 7.38–15.6%). The ω−3/ω−6 ratio in tissues were found to be 2.89 (♂) and 1.97 (♀) in liver, and 2.59 (♂) and 2.26 (♀) in muscle. S. trutta macrostigma may be a valuable food for human consumption in terms of fatty acids.     

Seasonal changes of fatty acids of cuttlefish Sepia officinalis L. (Mollusca: Cephalopoda) in the north eastern Mediterranean sea

The total lipids and seasonal variations in the fatty acids of the mantle of cuttlefish (Sepia officinalis) captured in the north eastern Mediterranean were investigated and the mantle was found to be a good source of polyunsaturated fatty acids (ω3 PUFAs, in particular). In all seasons, the major fatty acids in the cuttlefish mantle were observed to be palmitic acid (16:0), stearic acid (18:0), eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA, 20:5ω3) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA, 22:6ω3). A comparison of the saturated fatty acid (29.5–36.8%), monounsaturated fatty acids (7.81–9.84%) and polyunsaturated fatty acids (43.7–49.6%) of the cuttlefish mantle revealed that polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) constituted the highest proportion. The levels of DHA in the cuttlefish mantle in autumn, winter, spring and summer were 27.6%, 28.5%, 29.5% and 23.9%, while those of EPA were 16.8%, 15.4%, 14.7% and 13.9%, respectively.     

Assessing the quality of organic and conventionally-farmed European sea bass (Dicentrarchus labrax)

The biometric and nutritional traits of European sea bass from organic or semi-intensive conventional production systems at two commercial sizes (small and medium) were compared. The analysis included a total of 80 specimens. The biometric traits and the texture were not affected by the rearing system, whereas they changed significantly with fish size. The fillet fatty acid profile varied significantly, both with rearing system and sea bass size, depending on the fatty acid profile of the diets. The ratio of n − 3 to n − 6 polyunsaturated fatty acids was higher (p < 0.001) in organic than in conventional fish (1.60 vs. 0.54) and in small than in medium-sized sea bass (1.15 vs. 0.98). Near infrared reflectance spectroscopy (NIRS) successfully classified fillets according to sea bass size in both fresh-minced and freeze-dried samples (90% correct classification), whereas it only classified organic vs. conventional sea bass fairly well (65-75% correct classification) for freeze-dried fillets.     

Comparison of wild and cultured sea bass (Dicentrarchus labrax) quality

Chemical composition, nutritional value and other physico-chemical parameters of sea bass from two different geographical areas (Greece and Spain) and from aquaculture and wild origin were studied. Farmed and wild fish differ in proximate composition, colour, and especially in texture, fatty acids and free amino acids (FAAs) profiles. Flesh of wild fish was firmer, which could be attributed to their lower fat content and higher level of activity. Cultured fish showed a higher content of monounsaturated fatty acids and lower of saturated and polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs). Within the PUFA group, n−3 fatty acids were predominant in wild sea bass, while n−6 were more abundant in farmed fish. Some FAAs related to the characteristic flavour of fish, such as glutamic acid, aspartic acid, alanine, and glycine were more abundant in cultured sea bass. No differences between fish from both farms were found, due to the similar composition of the feed used.     

Fatty acids profile of selected Artemisia spp. plants: Health promotion

In the present study we report the fatty acids profile of thirteen species of Artemisia, a hardy herb or shrub, analyzed by gas chromatography connected to a mass detector (GC-MS) for their nutritional value and their potential exploitation as a new source of essential fatty acids. Total lipids content ranged from 3.31 ± 0.19 to 17.78 ± 0.27 mg/g (fresh weight). The three most abundant fatty acids were C16:0, C18:2ω6 and C18:3ω3. Unsaturated fatty acids predominated in all the Artemisia species are studied with the α-linolenic acid (ALA) and linoleic acid (LA), which are essential for normal human growth, health promotion, and disease prevention. The predominant ω3 PUFA acid in all Artemisia species analyzed, was linolenic acid, with Artemisia gmellini, Artemisia ludoviciana and Artemisia vulgaris, showing higher amounts of this fatty acid, all thirteen species, analyzed in this study, were also rich in oleic acid (ω9) and linoleic acid (ω6), accounted for 50-70% of total PUFA. The ratio of ω3 PUFA to ω6 PUFA was similar in all species, varying from 1.0 to 3.0. Identifying Artemisia species as newer sources of PUFAs and enriching or optimizing the ω3FAs in known plant sources offer us ways of increasing the availability of ω3FAs in the food supply.     

Muscle lipids and fatty acid profiles of three edible fish from the Mauritanian coast: Epinephelus aeneus, Cephalopholis taeniops and Serranus scriba

Muscle lipids and fatty acids (FA) of three largely consumed seawater species of Serranidae (Epinephelus aeneus, Cephalopholis taeniops, and Serranus scriba) from the Mauritanian coast, were determined through 1 year. The lipid contents were relatively poor, ranging from 0.8% to 2.3% showing a significant seasonal dependency. Amongst the 35 FA identified, 35–51% were saturated FA (SFA), 21–33% monounsaturated FA (MUFA), and 18–34% polyunsaturated FA (PUFA). Palmitic acid was found to be the main SFA, and was seasonal dependent, with a mean value of 30.5% for E. aeneus, 27.9% for C. taeniops, and 20.9% for S. scriba. Amongst MUFA, oleic acid, with 11–16%, was the main acid in all three species. The n6 PUFA level was low, in particular for C. taeniops (1.3–1.6%), and a little higher for S. scriba (3.6–4.2%). The three species were characterised by high amounts of n3 PUFA. Amongst them, docosa-4,7,10,13,16,19-hexaenoic acid (DHA, 22:6n3) was the highest with 5–9% for C. taeniops, 13–17% for S. scriba, and 10–16% for E. aeneus. Eicosa-5,8,11,14,17-pentaenoic acid (EPA, 20:5n3), was the second highest n3 PUFA, with 4–13%.     

Blue-back fish: Fatty acid profile in selected seasons and retention upon baking

The effects of the catching season (either Autumn/Winter or Spring) on lipid content, fatty acid profile and true retention values after oven baking were determined in anchovy (Engraulis encrasicholus), sardine (Sardina pilchardus), sprat (Sprattus sprattus) and horse mackerel (Trachurus trachurus) from the North Adriatic sea. In the raw state, the catching season induced significant changes in the flesh lipid contents of sardine and sprat. Anchovy was the species whose fatty acid composition of flesh lipids was most clearly affected by the season of catch. Oven baking had a significant, though rather modest, effect on some fatty acids and indices of sardine and anchovy lipids. When compared to the other species within the same season, spring sardine and winter sprat gave significantly higher true retention values for several individual fatty acids and some sums. Between 1 and 2.5 servings/week (depending on season) of either cooked anchovy, sardine, sprat, or 3 servings of cooked spring horse mackerel would suffice to satisfy human weekly requirements of EPA + DHA.     

Effects of four cooking methods on the heavy metal concentrations of sea bass fillets (Dicentrarchus labrax Linne, 1785)

Heavy metals (Pb, Cd, Cr, Co, As, Ni) were analysed in cooked sea bass (Dicentrachus labrax). Different cooking treatments were used (baking, grilling, microwaving and frying). The results obtained were statistically compared with those of raw fish. The Co concentrations were below limits of detection in all samples (<0.05). Furthermore, Cr in fried samples and Ni in raw fish were not detected. Cd was only detected in microwaved samples. The Pb concentrations of microwaved and baked fish were significantly decreased. The As concentrations of fried and microwaved samples were significantly increased. The Cd and As concentrations of the fillets subjected to microwave cooking were 0.741 and 1.41 mg/kg, respectively. However, the As concentration was also significantly increased in fried samples. This value was 2.66 mg/kg. Microwaving and frying are not suitable for sea bass.     

Seasonal variations on total fatty acid composition of fillets of zander (Sander lucioperca) in Beysehir Lake (Turkey)

Seasonal variations on total fatty acid compositions of zander, Sander lucioperca in Beysehir Lake, were determined by using GC. Polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) were found to be higher than saturated (SFA) and monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFA) in all seasons. Palmitic acid was the major SFA (57.0–64.0% of total SFA) in all seasons. Oleic acid was identified as the major MUFA (45.0–58.0% of total MUFAs). Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), linoleic acid (LA), eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), and arachidonic acid (AA) were the most abundant PUFA. Relating to the total fatty acid composition of zander, the percentages of DHA, LA, AA, and EPA ranged between 17.1–23.3%, 5.40–15.4%, 6.72–9.94% and 4.22–5.93% of total lipid, respectively. The percentages of total ω3 fatty acid were higher than those of total ω6 fatty acid in the fatty acid composition of zander with ω3/ω6 ratios of 1.49, 1.45, 1.22, 0.72 in spring, autumn, winter, and summer, respectively. It was shown that the fatty acid composition and ω3/ω6 fatty acids ratio in the muscle of zander were significantly influenced by spawning and season.     

Determination of the seasonal changes on total fatty acid composition and ω3/ω6 ratios of carp (Cyprinus carpio L.) muscle lipids in Beysehir Lake (Turkey)

The muscle lipid and fatty acid composition of carp, Cyprinus carpio in Beysehir Lake the largest freshwater lake in Turkey, was determined. Polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) of carp, the most abundant fish species in Beysehir Lake, were found to be higher than those of saturated fatty acids (SFA) in spring, summer and autumn and also the monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFA) in spring and summer. Palmitic acid was the major SFA (14.6–16.6%) in all seasons. Oleic acid was identified as the major MUFA (15.1–20.3%). Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) was the major PUFA in summer and winter, whereas linoleic acid (LA) was the major PUFA in spring and autumn. The percentages of total ω3 fatty acid were higher than those of total ω6 fatty acid in the fatty acid composition of carp in winter. It was shown that the fatty acid composition in the muscle of carp was significantly influenced by feeding period and seasons.     

Partial purification and comparison of precipitation techniques of proteolytic enzymes from trout (Salmo gairdnerii) heads

Proteolytic enzymes have been detected and partially purified from trout (Salmo gairdnerii) heads, which were preserved at −20 °C. Proteolytic enzymes, either in crude extract or in partial purified samples, were stable for 15 days with an optimum temperature of 55 °C. Proteolytic activity was very high in either alkaline or acidic pH regions. A particular ratio of cold acetone to crude extract (1.25:1) was found to be best for the partial purification of proteases, with a 99% recovery, compared with the partial purifications achieved using different cold acetone ratios or ammonium sulphate. This recovery was also confirmed via measurement of the particles (particle size analyser) contained either in crude extract or in the precipitated samples. The existence of mainly Zn–serine and possibly some Zn-acidic proteases was observed.     

Fatty acid and lipid class composition of the eicosapentaenoic acid-producing microalga, Nitzschia laevis

The diatom Nitzschia laevis is a potential producer of eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA, C20:5n − 3). In order to further adopt this alga in the functional food and aquaculture industries, the lipid class composition and fatty acid distribution in the lipid pool of N. laevis were studied using thin-layer chromatography and gas chromatography. The total lipids of N. laevis were fractionated into neutral lipids (NLs), glycolipids (GLs) and phospholipids (PLs). NLs were the major constituents and accounted for 78.6% of the total lipids. Triacylglycerol (TAG) was the predominant component of NLs (87.9%). GLs and PLs accounted for 8.1% and 11.6% of the total lipids, respectively. Phosphatidylcholine (PC) was the major component of PLs (69.7%). The principal fatty acids identified in most lipid classes were tetradecanoic acid (C14:0), hexadecanoic acid (C16:0), palmitoleic acid (C16:1) and EPA. EPA was distributed widely among the various lipid classes with the major proportion (75.9% of the total EPA) existing in TAG, monoacylglycerol and PC.     

Essential oils of the aerial parts of three Salvia species from Jordan: Salvia lanigera, S. spinosa and S. syriaca

The compositions of the essential oils of three Jordanian Salvia species, S. lanigera and S. spinosa from a desert climate, and S. syriaca from a Mediterranean habitat, were studied. All three oils are rich in monoterpene derivatives (68–73%).     

Amino acid and fatty acid composition of wild sea bass (Dicentrarchus labrax): a seasonal differentiation

Seasonal variations in the amino acid and fatty acid compositions of wild sea bass (Dicentrarchus labrax) captured in the north eastern Mediterranean were investigated. In all seasons, the major amino acids in sea bass fillets were determined to be aspartic acid, glutamic acid and lysine. Methionine, tyrosine and histidine composition of the fillets were lower than those of the other amino acids in all seasons. The ratios of essential (E, g amino acid/16 g N)/nonessential (NE, g amino acid/16 g N) amino acids were observed to be 0.75 for winter, 0.76 for autumn, 0.77 for both spring and summer. Results showed that, sea bass fillets are well-balanced food source in terms of E/NE ratios in all seasons. In addition, seasonal differences in polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) composition of the fillets were observed in all seasons. The major fatty acids of sea bass fillets were observed to be palmitic acid (16:0), oleic acid (18:1ω9), eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA, 20:5ω3) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA, 22:6ω3). The amounts of EPA+DHA in autumn, winter, spring and summer were determined as 0.16, 0.12, 1.14 and 1.02 g/100 g wet weight, respectively.     

Lipid and fatty acid compositions differentiate between wild and cultured Japanese eel (Anguilla japonica)

The lipid profile and fatty acid composition of muscle, liver, and plasma lipoprotein were examined in wild and cultured Japanese eel (Anguilla japonica). Although, the muscle lipid levels of wild eels (11.6%) were less than those of cultured eels (13.1%), both eels were classified as typical fatty fish. Compared with the liver lipid composition of cultured eels, triacylglycerol (TG) level of the liver decreased in wild eels, whilst phosphatidylcholine and phosphatidylethanolamine levels of the liver increased in wild eels, reflecting the difference of liver lipid levels in both eels. Wild eels contained more cholesteryl ester (CE) and less TG, phospholipid, and free cholesterol in their plasma than cultured eels. The ratio of TG to CE decreased, whilst that of CE to total cholesterol increased in the plasma of wild eels. Different fatty acid compositions were found between wild and cultured eels. Compared with the fatty acid compositions of cultured eels, wild eels contained high percentages of 18:2, 18:3, and 20:4 and low percentages of 22:6, 20:1, and 20:5 in their muscle, liver, and plasma lipoprotein. The lipid profile and fatty acid composition seemed to be useful criteria for distinguishing between wild and cultured eels.     

Seasonal variation in the fatty acid composition of three Mediterranean fish – sardine (Sardina pilchardus), anchovy (Engraulis encrasicholus) and picarel (Spicara smaris)

The total fat contents and the fatty acid compositions of three common Mediterranean fish, namely sardine (Sardina pilchardus), anchovy (Engraulis encrasicholus) and picarel (Spicara smaris) were determined at bimonthly intervals for a one-year period. The purpose of this work was to study the seasonal variation of the fatty acids in the three fish that are some of the best sources of n − 3 fatty acids. The fat and fatty acid content of the investigated fish species show a significant seasonal dependency. Two of the fish (anchovy and picarel) have the highest fat content during the late winter – spring period. On the other hand, sardine shows the highest fat concentrations during the spring-early summer period. The fish that showed the highest variation in fatty acid composition was the anchovy. The sardine was found to be the best source of n − 3 fatty acids during the one-year period (35.35 g/100 g fatty acids). Finally the picarel had the highest oleic acid content (on average, 13.89/100 g fatty acids).     

Fatty acid composition of seed oil of different Sorghum bicolor varieties

In order to find out new sources of premium quality edible oil in the country, seeds of ten varieties of Sorghum bicolor were initially analyzed for their total oil contents. The seed oil was later fractionated into eight fatty acids including two new saturated fatty acids. The oil contents were determined by Soxhlet method and compared with the results obtained by NMR analysis. The total oil contents in the seeds of sorghum ranged from 5.0 to 8.2 % (w/w), indicating non significant difference obtained by two different techniques. The results revealed that oleic acid (31.12–48.99%), Palmitoleic acid (0.43–0.56%), linoleic acids (27.59–50.73%), linolenic acid (1.71–3.89%), stearic acid (1.09–2.59%) and palmitic acid (11.73–20.18%) was present in the seed oil of different sorghum varieties when analyzed by GC–MS. It was observed that in most of the varieties polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) were higher than monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFA). The two atypical SFAs, octanedioic (C8:0) and azelaic acid (C9:0) were found in some varieties. These results suggest that these S. bicolor varieties could be additional sources of edible oil due to presence of clinically important saturated and high concentration of unsaturated fatty acids. A large scale production of the seed oil after refining process can contribute towards alleviation of edible oil shortage in the country with increased use of premium quality oil.     

Fatty acid and amino acid composition of three local Malaysian Channa spp. fish

The objective of this current study was to analyze the biochemical compositions of three Malaysian Channa spp. fish. The proximate analysis revealed that the protein content of Channa lucius, Channa micropeltes and Channa striatus was 19.9%, 22.1%, 23.0% (% of dry weight), respectively. The total lipid content was generally high, ranging from 5.7% to 11.9% and crude ash ranged from 1.0% to 1.8%. The major amino acids were glutamic acid, aspartic acid and lysine, ranging from 9.7% to 21.7%, and the most abundant fatty acid in Channa spp. was C16:0, ranging from 25.6% to 30.4%. The other major fatty acids detected were C22:6, C18:1 and C18:0. The level of arachidonic acid (C20:4) was unusually high in C. striatus (19.02%). The levels of DHA in these fish would also explain the use of Channa spp., especially C. striatus, which has been used for centuries for reducing pain, inflammation and promote wound healing in Malaysia.     

Unsaturated fatty acids from food and in the growth medium improve growth of Bacillus cereus under cold and anaerobic conditions

In a chemically defined medium and in Luria broth, cold strongly reduced maximal population density of Bacillus cereus ATCC 14579 in anaerobiosis and caused formation of filaments. In cooked spinach, maximal population density of B. cereus in anaerobiosis was the same at cold and optimal temperatures, with normal cell divisions. The lipid containing fraction of spinach, but not the hydrophilic fraction, restored growth of B. cereus under cold and anaerobiosis when added to the chemically defined medium. This fraction was rich in unsaturated, low melting point fatty acids. Addition of phosphatidylcholine containing unsaturated, low melting point, fatty acids similarly improved B. cereus anaerobic growth at cold temperature. Addition of hydrogenated phosphatidylcholine containing saturated, high melting point, fatty acids did not modify growth. Fatty acids from phospholipids, from spinach and from hydrogenated phosphatidylcholine, although normally very rare in B. cereus, were inserted in the bacterium membrane. Addition of phospholipids rich in unsaturated fatty acids to cold and anaerobic cultures, increased fluidity of B. cereus membrane lipids, to the same level as those from B. cereus normally cold adapted, i.e. grown aerobically at 15 °C. B. cereus is therefore able to use external fatty acids from foods or from the growth medium to adapt its membrane to cold temperature under anaerobiosis, and to recover the maximal population density achieved at optimal temperature.     

Fatty acid distribution in triacylglycerols and phospholipids of broad beans (Vicia faba)

Fatty acid distribution of triacylglycerols (TAG) and phospholipids (PL) obtained from the four cultivars of broad beans (Vicia faba) was investigated. Total lipids extracted from the beans were separated by thin-layer chromatography into eight fractions. The major lipid components were TAG (47.7–50.1%) and PL (47.5–50.5%), while hydrocarbons, steryl esters, free fatty acids, diacylglycerols (1,3-DAG and 1,2-DAG) and monoacylglycerols were present in minor proportions (1.8–2.4%). The major PL components were phosphatidylcholine (56.4–58.4%), phosphatidylethanolamine (20.3–21.7%) and phosphatidylinositol (16.6–18.6%). Phosphatidylinositol was unique in that it had the highest saturated fatty acid content among the three PL. No significant differences (P > 0.05) in fatty acid distribution existed when the different cultivars were compared. The fatty acid distributions in the TAG were evident among the four cultivars: unsaturated fatty acids were predominantly concentrated in the sn−2 position, and saturated fatty acids primarily occupied the sn−1 or sn−3 position in the oils. These results could be useful to both consumers and producers for manufacture of traditional foods in Japan and elsewhere.